Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Wa Habibi Good Friday by Fairouz

Christmas Hymns تراتيل الميلاد



Christmas Hymns

Even though Christmas is months away, the album gets you in the spirit of the holidays. I am sitting here anticipating snow to come falling. Or Santa to come down the chimney, even though there's no chimney.Unlike many other albums, all the songs on this album have the same theme, Christmas. What a revelation huh? Anyway from the introductory church bells through the other hymns and finally with church bells again, it's all about Christmas. And like Christmas it's ends fast.In the booklet, there are a number of photos taken from a television show.
All Songs are traditional.Lyrics and arrangments made by The Rahbani Brothers.

Album tracks:

1. Carillons 1'

2. Sawt El Eid (Silent Night) 2'40"

3. Laylet Eid (Jingle Bells) 2'51"

4. Talj Talj 2'21"

5. Najmet Eid (Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes) 2'57"

6. Ya Mariyam El Bekr 3'08"

7. Soubhan El Kalima 4'01"

8. Arsalallah 5'04"

9. Ya Oum Allah 4'

10. Carillons 2'22"

download all tracks in 30-11-08

Monday, October 27, 2008

Christmas Carols اغاني الميلاد
























Christmas Carols

doesn't say on the cover when this concert took place, but I think it's safe to say sometime in the eighties. Some of the carols are also available in the earlier Christmas Hymns. Even though the Rahbani Brothers wrote the music and lyrics for one carol, it's a masterpiece. What's distinctive about the versions of the carols on this album is the arrangement of instruments and audio quality. For instance, the low quality of the audio in Chobho Lhaw Qolo/Soubhan ElKalema on the Hymns album didn't do the hymn its justice. It sounds far holier on this album. There are also other carols and hymns on the album which make the album a must by, including a version of 'We wish you a Merry Christmas' which Fairuz sings in English and sounds very nice.
The words of Talj Talj, Chobho Lhaw Qolo (Arabic Part), Laylet Eid and Ayed Ellayl were written by
The Rahbani brothers. The words of Hallelo Hallelouya, Kena Nezayn Shagara Saghira, Eid Eldeni, Molok Elmajoos and Roh Zorhon Bebayton by Joseph HarbMusic of Talj Talj by the Rahbani Brothers. The music of the other carols are based on previously written ones. See the album tracks below for more information.




Album tracks:
1. Amanou Morio (Syriac Hymn)
2. Talj Talj
3. Chobho Lhaw Qolo (Syriac Hymn)
4. Laylet Eid (Jingle Bells/American Tradition)
5. Adeste Fideles (Music by John F. Wade)
6. Hallelo Hallelouya (Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant/French Carol)
7. Kena Nezayn Shagara Saghira (God Rest Ye Merry Christmas/ Traditional English Carol)
8. Eid Eldeni (O Tannenbaum/Traditional German Carol)
9. Tzakar Ya Habibi (Joy to the World/Music by Handel)
10. Molok Elmajoos (Bizet Carol/Music by Bizet)
11. Roh Zorhon Bebayton (Go Tell It on the Mountain/Negro-Spiritual)
12. Ayed Ellayl (Silent Night/Music by Franz Gruber)
13. We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Traditional English Carol)
14. Laylet Eid (reprise) (Jingle Bells Reprise)





Friday, October 24, 2008

Yes'ed Sabahak يسعد صباحك

Yes'ed Sabahak
Is there another song one wants to wake up to more beautiful
than Yes'ed Sabhak? And it's not just the featured song that engulfs a certain aspect of waking up in the morning from what is now considered an estranged era. They all fit themselves into the criterion of the long gone good old days. The songs can be described as simple and dreamy. The second track 'Arabet Lamia' is a musical sketch in which Fairuz takes the role of Lamia as she along with her friends go for a ride. It's hard not to start imagining their journey when the Rahbani Brothers provide you with all the scenery in their simple lyrics. The green pasture, the hills, the fields, the night, the nature one longs to. The other songs follow the same theme of simplicity providing colorful and vivid mental images of roses, butterflies and many other things. But it's not just the lyrics which Fairuz performs brilliantly, the music itself delivers a lot of the essence of the songs. It dances with the poems, it flies and clings to Fairuz's voice producing this masterpiece. At some parts, you'd start thinking, is Fairuz singing to the music or is the music playing to Fairuz's voice? Who's leading in this great conjunction of talent and absolute brilliance? Who's in control? The peak of such greatness can only be reached in the Rahbani-Fairuz collaborations, and this album shows it all. The songs don't sound re-mastered at all and just to be fair it doesn't say so on the cover. All the songs maintain the same quality which is close or maybe even less than the quality of radio broadcast.
Album tracks:

1. Yes'ed Sabahak 2'56"
2. Arabet Lamia 9'42"
3. La Tensany ... Ana Houna 3'43"
4. Zar Beskoun Ellayl 2'42"
5. Ihkili 2'46"
6. Ya Dar Betlouh 2'40"
7. Layl Eleed 3'55"
8. Marhaba ... Marhaba 7'43"
9. 'an Houbak Ghanaina 3'14"
10. Baytouna Filjazira 3'59"
11. Koset Alwared 4'28"

download all tracks

Houmoum El hob هموم الحب

Houmoum El hob
Prior to listening to this album, I thought there weren't as many Fairuz's children songs. I was proven wrong because in this album there are three very sweet songs. They're simple in melody and lyrics, and Fairuz probably recorded the songs in a studio in heaven. Certainly neither do these songs nor the album's title, which made me think this was mainly a broken heart themed album, can tell about the rest of the songs, as the album is a mix of different kinds of songs which range from love to happiness, from faith to children's songs, and from sorrow to yearning. In the end, this is one of must have albums. And by the way, don't try to take out the booklet, it doesn't contain any information and you will only suffer trying to place it back in.


Album tracks:

Thursday, October 23, 2008

أنا و سهرانة Ana we Sehrana

ana wsahrani
The songs were originally produced in the sixties in different occasions and they follow the same musical and lyrical approach found in other songs that were written in that period.

Elias' song stands out. First it felt odd being placed in this album. I think there should be an album released that contains the songs Elias wrote for Fairuz. This song is great. There are better sounding versions of 'Shal' and 'Yara' than the ones in the Andaloussiyat album. Nasri Shameseddine also sings in Yaoum Ou Yaoumain.

Album tracks:

ناطورة المفاتيح Natorit Elmafatieh


The king of Sira adds a new tax which will make him owner of half of everything his people has. And whoever refuses to pay will be taken to work for free. When his soldiers start collecting the fortunes of the people, they meet with Zad Elkheir. She can't give them half what she own, 5 hens and a goat. They ask for money, but she has none. They take her to work in the palace and she demands to meet the king. When she does she tries to explain how the soldiers almost broke her hand, and that she can sing, dance, and act. Hearing this, the king asks her to act and then to sing. Although he liked her singing, he still told the soldiers to take her to work breaking some wood. Jad the wiseman is the king closest servant. The king asks him about what he's doing but Jad answers don't appeal to the king. Jad says that what the king is doing is wrong to the people. Another citizen meets with the king, Mourad Alasamr. He's an old friend with the king. The king asks him to kneel before him, but Mourad refuses. The king sends him to prison.
A man named Barbar starts planning to escape from the village together with everyone else. But his plan is met with caution and disbelief. How could they all leave their houses? It's when Zad Elkheir is let free. Another incident occurs where a nut seller is killed by the king. The king starts planning the festivities of his queen's return from her parent's kingdom. Barbar starts working on his plan and that night they all leave. But Zad Elkheir chooses to stay and they leave the keys of their houses wit her.
The king announces that his wife will return and demands that the people dress the city with festivities. But his commander finds that no one did anything and he asks Zad Elkheir about it. She tells him that all the people left. He doesn't believe her and starts searching the houses. The queen returns. She quarrels with the king because she didn't find any festivities. Later, the commander tells the king of the situation. The king asks Zad Elkheir of the reason why she didn't leave. She tells him that someone needs to stay and then she confronts him with his cruelties.
To create people in his kingdom, he sets the prisoners free but they also escape. Zad Elkheir convinces the king that without people, he is not a king and as she's leaving, the king changes his heart and calls for his people to return and they do.
Album Tracks:
CD1 (52'17")
1. First Introduction 2'35"
2. Al Irada Almalakia 1'57"
3. Idi Idi 3'13"
4. Maoulana El Malek 1'42"
5. Ya Malekna 4'40"
6. King & Jad 1'29"
7. King & Mourad 2'28"
8. Ya Nejmet El Layl 1'
9. Barbar Wel Ahali 1'18"
10. Bala Sirtou 59"
11. Messaytkoun Belkhair 2'07"
12. Tolee El Amar 3'03"
13. Zad Elkheir Wel Ahali 30"
14. Lawz Lawz 2'40"
15. Al Remmani 3'06"
16. Dik El May 3'21"
17. Ya Ekhwan 1'31"
18. Arbaa Wekfou Maak 3'43"
19. Tarik Elnahl 3'39"
20. Lamma Byersi 36"
21. Shade Ya Byout 3'08"
22. Waynon 3'20"

أيام فخر الدين Ayyam Fakherddeen


The story begins in the year 1618 when the people of Lebanon are hurrying to welcome their prince Fakhr Eddeen from his return in Toscana where he has been in exile. During the ceremony, the people offer him rich gifts as their tokens of love and loyalty. Itr Allayl, a young girl from Antilias, presents him with a sword of gold. Her song and her message go so deeply into the heart of the prince that he asks her to continue her singing as an inspiration to himself and to all of her countryfolk. Her message becomes a symbol for the building of Lebanon.
But the times are not easy and there is so much to be accomplished. Koujok Ahmad, an Osmani protégée raised in the palace, is now an officer in the army of the prince. He requests an important position but his wish is refused. Koujok is unhappy and therefore conspires to overthrow the prince. He seeks the aid of Princess Mountaha who is the daughter of an influential family which has been overshadowed by Fakhr Eddeen. Koujok succeeds in the inflaming the Osmani Sultan with rage when he reveals that Fakhr Eddeen aims a building a powerful Lebanon and endangering the interests of the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, the diplomatic Sultan tries to win the loyalty of the prince and the Lebanon by endowing him with special title "The Sultan of Al Barr". In exchange of this honor, the Sultan asks Fakhr Eddeen to give up his projects for the construction of Lebanon. Fakhr Eddeen refuses to do so with the excuse that the purpose of his projects are to consolidate his friendship and loyalty with the Ottoman Empire.
Fakhr Eddeen begins to expand and clashes with Mustafa Basha who is the governor of Damascus. A disagreement starts when the Governor refuses to hand over the administration of Nablus and Ajloun to Fakhr Eddeen. A great battle takes place at Anjar and the prince wins taking Mustafa Basha as prisoner. the prince graciously releases him stating that he only wants peace.
The successes of the Prince inflame the grudge of the Koujak and Princess Mountaha. Koujok desires to go directly to Istanbul to convince the authorities that they should hasten and fight the Prince before he becomes too powerful. Mountaha thinks differently and suggests fighting the Prince without a war. Koujok refuses and leaves for Istanbul.
Itr Allayl meets the Princess by chance. The Princess is unable to carry the weight of her grudge and regrets her mistake. Lebanon is now prosperous with commerce and the ships fill the newly constructed ports. Suddenly the news comes from Istanbul that a huge army of one hundred thousand soldiers is heading for Lebanon. Even though the army of the Lebanon consists of only twenty five thousand men, they bravely prepare to defend their country. The people hope for an early rainy season which will block the mountain passes and stop the invaders.
Itr Allayl grows anxious over the war. The prince consoles with her and explains that the issue is a worthy one since it concerns the building of a country and a nation. The Prince replies: "I must personally prove to my people and the enemy that Lebanon is made to live and can live." Her father tries to calm her by telling her that great men have great dreams. He says "The fate of Fakhr Eddeen is the fate of Lebanon."... And comes the end
Fakhr Eddeen seeks refuge in a cave in Jezzine. Itr Allayl seeks him out in his hiding place and finds him alone with only a few of his most loyal friends. The winter season is exceptionally late this year and there is danger of discovery from one of the scouting parties of the enemy.A mercenary soldier discovers the hiding place of the prince and reveals the secret to Koujok Ahmad. Koujok encircles the cave and demands that the prince surrenders. The faithful friends of the Prince anxiously await his orders to fight the Osmani traitor. The Prince replies: "What has happened is enough, we should not destroy what we have built. We did what we had to do and this is our fate. The enemy wants only me, the bargain is for me alone."
Itr Allayl refuses to believe that the Prince must leave Lebanon. When she asks: "Is it true that you are surrendering?" The Prince replies: "Did the people build the country and did they plant the land and did they erect the bridges?" Itr Allayl answers that all has been accomplished. The Prince then proudly exclaims: "My girl, my departure is not important, the important issue is that the Lebanon exists now and forever."Fakhr Eddeen surrenders to the enemy and Itr Allayal in her grief begins to sing. Suddenly her grief changes to happiness as she realizes that Lebanon will live and remain. She inspires everyone with her feelings until all join her in the song. Heroes depart but their stories never end.
CD1 (72'02")
CD2 (65'41")

الليل و القنديل Ellayl Welandil





One of the early plays written by the Rahbani Brothers, it is simple and enchanting. At one point the villagers ask the night to get darker and let their lanterns shine brighter. A very beautiful image in the song Atem ya Layl. Although not as long as the other plays, it gets the message across. I don't know but prior to listening to the play, I was expecting Hawlu to be funny and be played by Philemon Wehbe.Unfortunately, the entire play is placed on one track. However, the audio quality is pretty good.
Album Tracks:
1. We Dawi Ya Hal Andil
2. Nehna Men Essahl
3. Enna Anadil
4. Atem Ya Leyl
5. Jayee/Jbali
6. Ya Mantoura
7. Warde el Helwe Zelane
8. Yammel Assawer
9. Fayek Alayi
10. Bel Awal Ma'erefto
11. Ma'ereftini
12. Chou Betkouloulhon?
13. Za'altak Chi?
14. Ya Ammi Nasri
15. Laweyn Ya Hawlu
16. Ya Ent Betkassro
17. Wayn Ento
18. Ya Ahali Edday'a
19. Hawlo Hawlo
20. Hayda Khater
21. Wedawi Ya Hal Andil
(55'51" VDLCD 570)

عودة العسكر Return of the Soldiers


While the the story could have been developed into an entire play, the Rahbani Brothers opted to use it as a premise to present their songs. It contains no dialogue and the story is told through the first couple of songs and some narrated text. The booklet contains no information but it's safe to say that the first twelve tracks are of AlBaalbakiya while the other twelve are of Return of the Soldiers. The play itself is great to listen to, I only wish they would have wrote more on the gods and the destruction of Baalbeck, and that how it started is how it would have ended.
Maybe I should start a petition demanding a prequel
The Album Tracks:
1. Rahil ...
2. Baalbeck: Ana Chamaa Ala Drajek
3. Rahou
4. Raksa Min Jadid
5. Annatour
6. Ya Zarif Attoul
7. Kam Banafsaj
8. Karm Al Alali
9. Chetti A Haqla
10. Laweyn Rayhine
11. Tela Azziraine
12. Medwiye

Thursday, October 2, 2008

جسر القمر Jisr El Qamar

According to legend the "Sheikh of Sheikhs" was returning home late one night, when he encountered the Enchanted Maid near the Bridge of the Moon. She was deeply perturbed and implored him to save her. "But save you from what my fair maiden?", the Sheikh asked. She did not answer. "I want to help you my fair maiden, if only you would tell me more." "Thank you my Sheikh but love alone is my salvation". and the maiden disappeared.On reaching his house, the Sheikh assembled the villagers and told them his strange tale. They were all perplexed and decided to call the crystal gazer to discover the secret of the Enchanted Maiden.Meanwhile Saleh, a young man from the neighboring hostile village, confined the Haifa that an attack was being prepared against her village. The crystal gazer succeeded in bringing the Enchanted Maid before the villagers. But they were even more perplexed when they saw her. She sang to them about love and how it is destroyed by hate. Before she disappeared, she told them of a treasure hidden under the Bridge of the Moon which on a moonlight night will reveal itself to all (and when it does she herself will be free
Album Tracks:
CD1 (48'48")
CD2 (56')

في بيت الدين Live At Beiteddine


Live At Beiteddine 2000 This is the latest release by Fairuz. But it's more than that. It is everything. Who is Fairuz? Fairuz is my link. She is the one who always extends a hand in the worst days of my mental isolation. She is more than that. She exists within the cells of my brain. And in the worst days of religious confusion, God tells me, look there you spoiled creature, I created Fairuz. I listen to her and I stop whining.
All Songs were written by: Ziad Rahbani expect:La Inta Habibi, Btitloj Edenii, Ya Mahla Layli and Nassam Alayna by Rahbani brothers. Ahu Dalli Sar by Badih Khairi and Sayed Darwish. Lyrics of Habbaytak Tnseet Enoum by Joseph Harb.Arranged by Ziad Rahbani. Released in February 2001.

Album tracks:

1. Beiteddine Opening 4'06"

2. La Inta Habibi 4'57"

3. Endi Sika Feek 3'19"

4. Kifak Inta 3'51"

5. Prelude (Mais Erim) 3'19"

6. 'shtaktillak 2'45"

7. Shu Hal Iam 4'29"

8. The National Lebanese Resistance 3'22"

9. 'bititlojil Dini 4'00"

10. Tinzakar Ma Tinaad 3'27"

11. Kbiril Mazha Hay 5'27"

12. Ahu Dalli Sar 3'51"

13. Ya Mahla Layalil Hawa 3'34"

14. Habaytak Ta Nsit Elnaum 5'21"

15. Talfan Ayyash 5'20"

16. Sabah Wu Masa 4'11"

17. Nassam Alayna 4'53"

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